Workshop discussed issues of depression and suicide
Fleetwood Town’s youth team players took part in an ‘If U Care Share Foundation’ workshop at the Club’s training ground today.If U Care Share are a charity providing prevention, intervention training and support of those affected by suicide, and was set up by three young people after defeat of their brother to suicide.
The workshop was the second in the space of a few weeks to be delivered to the young players, after Troy Townsend’s ‘Kick It Out’ team recently visited the squad.
After the event, coach Mark Bowley said: “It was a workshop run by the Football League Education and a forum which discussed depression and all sorts of other mental health issues.
“It really was a very worthwhile programme for the lads to listen to.
“The lads will have learnt a lot out of it, and especially at this time of year when we’ve got players who are waiting to hear about the next step in their careers.
“Suicide between young men is a subject which is on the rise, and it’s an issue we must tackle.
“A part of my role at the Club is welfare, and I’d like to think the first port of contact as far as the young players are concerned would be myself.
“I’ve been through a similar sort of thing when my wife died recently, so I know how desperate things can get as well as understanding the need to talk to people.
“It’s important that these lads have someone to talk to, and like I say hopefully I’ll be there first line of contact.”